Drawer Slides vs. Traditional Guides & Kickers

berry · Post by **berry** » Mon Jan 13, 2014 2:47 pm

I was just reading my current Woodsmith Issue #211 at the linen press project and I wondered why and when folks decide to use the traditional method of installing drawers (guides & kickers) versus metal slides. Other than saving bucks are there some advantages to the traditional method?

Gene Howe · Post by **Gene Howe** » Mon Jan 13, 2014 3:39 pm

I don't have that issue yet but, is there something about it's design, or the assembly, that might dictate their use of those glides?
Otherwise, I can't see where one way is better than the other, except that there are fewer issues with humidity and stuck drawers when using metal glides.

benush26 · Post by **benush26** » Tue Jan 14, 2014 4:50 pm

Though I've not made anything I would consider "fine furniture" such as bureaus, chest of drawers, nice writing desk, that is where I would use traditional drawer mounting. I've used the metal slides on kitchen drawers that get constant use and a shop desk drawer and will use then on the storage drawers for my woodworking bench. Utilitarian and heavy duty is where I think metal slides work best.

Just my thoughts

As a side note, I bought the Kreg slide installation and drawer install guides and they saved me hours of work and reduced frustration levels to smiles.

Be well,
Ben

mountainbreeze · Post by **mountainbreeze** » Wed Jan 15, 2014 9:33 am

I built a chest of drawers that use wood on wood for the slides. The wood is hard maple and I sanded the mating surfaces to 400 grit and then waxed both of them. With the drawers loaded they glide very smoothly. I was skeptical but now I am quite pleased with the results.